Daniel Pastorelli

SPECIAL REPORT: A small group of ministers and backroom advisers close to Mark McGowan will set the agenda for the new state government.

The second McGowan government is set for big changes, with two of the premier's three closest advisers resigning and minister Peter Tinley believed to have been demoted.

Our updated listing of the 50 most influential Western Australians in business and politics highlights four individuals who stand apart from the rest.

The state government has announced four senior public service appointments but needs to recruit five new directors general, including at the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

The state government will strengthen public health restrictions this week ahead of what Premier Mark McGowan warns will be the most difficult month of the pandemic.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has tested positive for COVID-19 after developing a fever this afternoon.

A likely change of power in Canberra this year will have little bearing on the makeup of WA’s political and business leaders. Click through to see our updated ranking of WA's 50 Most Influential.

ANALYSIS: Mark McGowan’s ministerial reshuffle was in many respects a sideshow – real power in the government remains with a small group of ministers and advisers close to the premier.

Our annual update of WA’s 50 most influential people analyses those using their role and profile to make a difference.

Plenty has shifted in Business News’ annual look at WA’s 50 most influential figures, with changes starting at the top of the list.

WA Labor has endorsed a suite of fresh candidates vying for a place in parliament at the 2025 state election, with Mark McGowan’s former chief of staff Dan Pastorelli confirmed for a tilt.

Mark Pownall and Jack McGinn discuss subsidy warnings; WA Labor’s next generation; Hancock’s Lynas stake, tailings clean up, Minderoo job cuts, Macmahon’s move for Decmil and Inpex’s Ichthys decision.

Speculation is mounting that departing ReGen Strategic founder Daniel Smith could be in line to join Premier Roger Cook’s office as chief of staff after the 2025 state election.

One-time Mark McGowan adviser turned lobbyist Mark Reed will be the next state secretary of the WA Labor Party, Business News understands.

Three Labor MPs have been elevated to Premier Roger Cook’s cabinet, while his former right-hand man has parachuted right into a senior ministerial support role.

Our weekly appointments wrap includes new ministerial appointments, Dan Sweet, Priya Brown, Kellie Benda, Jen Leys, and additions to the management team for New World Resources.

Roger Cook’s name has been a regular feature on the annual list of Western Australia’s most influential business and political players published by Business News.